Single Publication

Easy Fire Update  
August 2, 2024

Quick Facts 

Size: 751 acres  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA 
Containment: 0%  

Personnel Assigned: 193 

Cause: Lightning 

Resources Assigned:  4 crews     8 engines 

Northwest Team 3 is preparing to transition management of the Pioneer and Easy Fires to California Team 15 on Saturday at 6:00 am. The incoming team was briefed yesterday on the current situation and operational objectives and today will “shadow” Team 3 to ensure a smooth transition. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, hotter temperatures led to increased fire activity with isolated flare ups and continued smoldering in the fire area. Easy Fire is burning in extremely steep terrain where burning logs can roll downhill, further spreading the fire downslope. There was active fire burning near State Route 20; however, crews successfully cooled fire activity near the highway with assistance from water bucket drops from helicopters. Crews continued to prepare areas for future strategic firing operations and improved handlines in the higher elevation areas on both the south and the north side of the Easy Fire. 

On State Route 20, please be advised there are ongoing firefighting activities along milepost 148-157.  The highway remains open to through traffic with a pilot car escorting vehicles through mileposts 148-157 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Yesterday, traffic was temporarily paused while fire activity picked up and fire suppression efforts were underway. Expect delays as firefighters continue removing trees and debris from the roadway and conduct full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire. Please do not stop or pull over between mileposts 148-157. With wildfire and firefighting operations still active, the highway may need to close again on short notice. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: With continued warming and drying trends fire activity is expected to increase. Expect to see isolated torching, surface and uphill fire spread, and a possible increase in fire behavior along the Mt. Hardy ridgeline. Firefighters will continue work implementing and improving handline along the ridge. Crews will continue utilizing helicopter transportation to access higher elevation areas of the Easy Fire. Night shift operations begin today as crews consider opportunities for strategic firing operations along the north side of the Easy Fire from the ridge to the main fire. Further securing fire spread upslope and preventing addition fire from crossing the ridgeline.  

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for all aircrafts not involved in wildfire suppression operations. Do not fly a personal drone over or near the Easy Fire. Any incursions create a safety hazard to fire aircraft and require air operations to stop and would be a violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations. 

WEATHER: Temperatures will continue to climb today and through the weekend reaching the low to mid 100s. Forecasts predict mostly sunny skies in the morning and then partly cloudy with a 10% chance of thunderstorms by the late afternoon and into the evening. Winds will be west to northwest 1-4 mph and increase to 5-10 mph after 10:00 am.  

CLOSURES: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas.  

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080  

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov